Fine Tuned Presents brings Nashville psych-pop artist Nordista Freeze to Westminster's Community Media Center this Wednesday, May 27, for a matinee concert that's part of an unusual touring experiment: 50 concerts in 50 states in 30 days — a world record attempt that, if successful, would be the first of its kind.
Westminster is stop #43 of the 50-state run. Doors open at 3:00 p.m., music starts at 3:30 p.m., and the show wraps by 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door, available at Promotix.
Fine Tuned Presents founder Jake Fine had been tracking Nordista Freeze through mutual connections in Nashville before the tour was announced. "When I learned about this tour, I originally wanted to manage the thing, but learned how soon he was going to attempt the record," Fine said. He brought the idea to the Community Media Center, which he says was immediately on board.
About the Headliner
Nordista Freeze built a reputation as one of Nashville's most relentlessly active live performers. By May 2021, he had logged 516 shows since 2016, roughly one every three nights for five years straight.
Nashville Scene dubbed him the "cosmic Tom Petty," and NPR featured his song "First Time" from his album Big Sky Pipe Dream, calling it "an unseasonably pleasant spring Saturday in song form." The record is a deliberate shift toward sun-drenched 60s pop influences, particularly the Beach Boys' Pet Sounds, and was described as one of his most fully realized studio efforts.
Beyond performing, Freeze is known in Nashville for organizing events that spotlight other artists, including Space Prom and FreezeFest, and has spoken about his belief that an audience can be built in any venue, from house shows to empty gas stations.
The Opening Act
Jeff Draco opens the show with a solo set of new, unreleased original material. Draco is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who grew up in Mt. Airy and now lives in Washington, D.C. He released his debut full-length album, Excess, on May 15 — a record described as his "first definitive full statement" as both a songwriter and producer, expanding on the indie-pop sound of his 2024 EP Attitude. He headlined an album release show at Songbyrd Music House in D.C. on May 23.
Fine says Draco is a natural fit for the bill. "He's making waves in the regional music scene and just released a fantastic album called Excess. This is a chance to hear him for a unique solo performance."
About the Organizer
Fine Tuned Presents is a Westminster-based concert series built around a straightforward philosophy. "The shows Fine Tuned Presents organizes are all about DIY music attitude with professional production," Fine said. "We don't sacrifice quality and dignity for artists and audience. It makes it a great stop for touring artists, especially those open to playing non-traditional venues."
The show takes place at the Community Media Center of Carroll County, 1301 Washington Rd., Westminster, MD 21157. Tickets at promotix.com.
Photo: Nordista Freeze (left) and Jeff Draco (right) from the artists' Instagram accounts.